[ApplegateRanch]

Snow is mostly gone, and it is now liquid water falling. Almost time to start some seeds indoors. Bulbs & iris are coming up, and the snowdrops are blooming.

This weekend, we'll be heading to Rapid City for feed, some fertilizer, and a second hive-body for the coming of the bees.

Might also get a honey super at the same time. That will leave just another super to get later. Try to get it set up next weekend. Two deep bodies, lower brood chamber; upper food chamber; topped with a queen excluder & honey supers for us.

[wita]

Considering bees myself, since they seem to be in short supply while things are budding out, like our apple trees, which aren’t budding just yet due to the cold and snow. Have a neighbour about a half mile from me with four hives but still don’t see much activity around my two apple trees until after the blooms are gone.

I have recently sprouted seven Oak trees from acorns gathered in Custer State Park during last years Arts Festival.

[greeneyes]

Our daffodils and hyacinths are fading fast. I've arranged some stuff in the green house to make room for the pots that I want to start some stuff in.

I have 30” x 12” planter - I'm thinking about trying to start a melon in it to see if I can grow one in potting mix inside the green house. I think we have a soil borne bacteria that kills cur-cubits.

Last year, I had good luck growing cukes in a pot, so expanding it this year with cukes in a pot and melon in planter.